Declining since 1989, #2,326 for girls today.
Popularity of Caitlin since 1955
Babies named Caitlin per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1950s | 46 |
| 1960s | 410 |
| 1970s | 1,277 |
| 1980s | 33,584 |
| 1990s | 49,033 |
| 2000s | 22,298 |
| 2010s | 4,935 |
| 2020s | 560 |
Meaning & origin
Caitlin, a classic Irish name meaning 'pure,' was first recorded in U.S. data in 1955 and reached its peak rank of 1 in 1988, when it was the most popular name for baby girls that year. Since 1989, its popularity has been on a steady decline, falling to rank 2326 in 2025, with approximately 1 in 20,606 newborn girls receiving the name. The name's heyday was in the 1980s, when it broke into the top 10 nationally, and its highest concentrations have consistently been in states with large Irish-American populations, such as Illinois, New York, and California. Despite its decline from the summit, Caitlin remains a familiar and well-liked choice, spawning numerous spelling variants and nicknames. Its journey from a medieval Irish saint's name to a modern American favorite illustrates the enduring appeal of names with a clear cultural heritage.
Caitlin is the Irish Gaelic form of the Latin name Catharina, which derives from the Greek Aikaterinē. The name became associated with the Greek word katharos, meaning 'pure,' via early Christian martyr Saint Catherine of Alexandria. In Ireland, Caitlín has been in use since the Middle Ages, though it gained widespread English-language popularity in the late 20th century. The spelling 'Caitlin' is the most common anglicization, with many variant spellings emerging.
Where Caitlin is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Caitlin” around the world
Where Caitlin lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
Ireland
17
babies in 2025
Sources: CSO Ireland (Ireland).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Cait, Cate, Catie
Sibling names for Caitlin
Names that share Caitlin's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Brianna, Megan, Erin, Shannon, Aisling, Alannah, Allana, Alyssia, Breana, Briana, Bridgett, Brigit, Britney, Carisa, Deidra, Elyssa, Julianne, Kacie, Keeley, Keily, Keli, Kellie, Keri, Lyndsey, Lynette, Meaghan, Reanna, Rosaleen, Shaina, Shana, Shannan, Shanon, Tori, Aislyn, Allissa, Aryn, Breeana, Brionna, Cristin, Ellyn, Erinn, Erynn, Jaymee, Jessalyn, Kirstyn, Kyley, Lyndsay, Magan, Meggan, Meghann, Rheanna, Shannah, Shawnna, Allyse, Andera, Anndrea, Chavon, Correne, Cortnee, Dareen, Errin, Kearra, Kelcy, Kelleen, Kellyanne, Kerianne, Kerra, Kerrianne, Kerrin, Korri, Meegan, Megann, Meighan, Reaghan, Reann, Rianne, Shawnette, Shawnie, Sheana, Tarryn, Tarynn, Toree, Tyann, Allanna, Allisha, Ashleynicole, Casee, Dreanna, Eilyn, Faren, Jennamarie, Kerryn, Kylea, Leiann, Maegen, Mailin, Marrisa, Meeghan, Reannon, Shannin, Shauni, Shawni, Alishea, Airica, Aylinn, Brittnei, Caleen, Cassara, Courtnei, Deamber, Errika, Jackalynn, Kileen, Lynsay, Mallisa, Meaghann, Meaghen, Meggen, Meigan, Meredeth, Raychell, Shanyn, Shawneen, Shevaun, Shevonne
Brothers: Connor, Ryan, Sean, Patrick, Liam, Brennen, Broderick, Bryon, Corey, Darien, Davin, Devan, Deven, Devin, Devon, Dustan, Keelan, Keenan, Kegan, Keven, Korey, Shane, Shaun, Shawn, Shayne, Shon, Blayne, Brannon, Brien, Brion, Byran, Carlin, Cavin, Chadrick, Darryn, Dylon, Errick, Jarron, Kennan, Kervin, Kieth, Lavaughn, Oneal, Tobey, Brannan, Collen, Collyn, Correy, Damean, Derren, Dillian, Donoven, Dylen, Ehren, Jaryd, Jerid, Keevin, Kile, Seanmichael, Seann, Shann, Shaune, Shean, Braian, Daaron, Darran, Gerrad, Keegen, Kevyn, Seanpatrick, Seon, Tavish, Conroy, Derec, Deryck, Johnryan, Keanen, Korrey, Rodderick
Names like Caitlin
Names whose popularity has moved with Caitlin's over the last 50 years.
